Dorothy King, 52, was found dead in her Dallas apartment on November 11, 1980. Authorities initially attributed her death to alcohol intoxication and did not classify it as a criminal matter. Later investigation revealed that assessment was incorrect.

Carroll Edward Cole, a drifter who later confessed to multiple killings, told Dallas detectives he had met Dorothy in a Dallas saloon and strangled her on November 9, 1980. His confession led authorities to reclassify her death as a homicide. Cole was arrested and charged in the case; he was tried beginning April 6, 1981, convicted on April 9, 1981, and given a life sentence at Huntsville Prison.

Few details about Dorothy King’s life are provided beyond her age, location, and the circumstances of her death. If anyone knew Dorothy or remembers her, any information about her life or last days could help preserve her memory.